College students seeking to empty or furnish their apartments often visit thrift stores at the start of a new semester.
This summer, students can donate their gently used furniture or clothes, find deals and help local charities at nonprofit thrift stores around town.
The Junior League of Gainesville thrift store, which runs primarily on volunteers, will have deals for students all summer. The sales include events such as “Fill A Bag,” where customers receive a bag and fill it with as many items as possible for a certain price, said store manager Sherry Peters.
“We don’t always tell people about the sales,” she said. “It’s more fun that way.”
All of the profits benefit more than 100 charities, Peters said.
The Family Treasures Thrift Shop, which benefits the Children’s Home Society of Florida, has sales every week, said store manager Burt Polansky.
“Our prices rock,” he said. “We sold an all-wooden bedroom set for $1,200, and it’s probably worth $6,000.”
Haven Hospice Attic Resale Store is another nonprofit thrift shop, and it benefits Haven Hospice.
Students can drop off donations at the store, located at 300 NW Eighth Ave., or they can schedule a pick-up date at no cost.
Susan Atkinson, a 21-year-old UF history junior and part-time staff member at the Junior League of Gainesville thrift shop, said her favorite part of thrift shopping is the uniqueness of the clothes.
“At a thrift store, you never know what you are going to get,” she said.
Follow Jessica on Twitter: @jesskorina
